The Samar Center for Developmental Pediatrics has begun accepting patients as of March 2025. (Photo courtesy of Samar Center for Developmental Pediatrics)
Ginang Leonila L. Nusa, 63, of Brgy. Silanga, Catbalogan City, Samar, became the primary caregiver for her 8-year-old grandson, a child with autism.
Each day demands endurance and sacrifice as she prioritizes the boy’s needs.
Despite the challenges, hope emerged from the Samar Center for Developmental Pediatrics, which provides specialized therapies and support. Nusa found a lifeline for her grandson, giving him a chance to thrive.
At the center, she found essential resources: occupational therapy, speech therapy and physical therapy. The center also equips guardians with knowledge and skills to advocate for children with special needs.
Nusa began with a determination to help her grandson, whose self-injurious behaviors and speech delay concerned her. Each unanswered question fueled her fight for better health care.
The child’s mother abandoned him, leaving a void in Nusa’s heart.
His father, a security guard in Manila, struggles to meet his son’s medical needs. In this difficult time, Nusa relies on her children’s financial support, which brings anxiety about the future.
“Kakayanin ko para sa bata, kasi, wala na siyang mama, iniwan siya sa amin,” Nusa said, with tears in her eyes. (I will endure it for the child because he no longer has a mother; he was left with us.)
Her heart broke as she observed her grandson’s condition worsening. Her family took out loans for a specialist, but financial hardship loomed. The once-promising private hospital now felt out of reach.
With the Samar Center for Developmental Pediatrics offering free therapy services, a glimmer of hope broke through. Once burdened with worry, Nusa felt her heart lift as she envisioned her grandson’s path to healing.
Gov. Sharee Ann Tan’s commitment to meet the rising demand for specialized care promises that every child will receive the support they need to flourish.
“Maraming, maraming salamat po, kasi malaking bagay po ito sa mga bata na maipa-check-up sila ng ganito. Gaya naming na walang sapat na [pera], kasi napakamahal talaga. Maraming salamat kasi nag [tayo] sila nito na walang bayad—katulad naming na mahirap na matulungan nila. Maraming salamat,” Nusa said.
(Thank you very, very much. It is a big help for the children to have a check-up like this, and for people like us who don’t have enough money, since it’s really expensive. Thank you so much because they set this up for free to help people like us who are less fortunate. Thank you very much.)
Ralph Tizon, head of the Samar Center for Developmental Pediatrics, explained how services are provided to children with special needs.
An initial evaluation includes an interview with a parent or guardian. A developmental pediatrician then assesses the child to determine specific treatments.
The child returns for follow-up assessments after completing sessions. Each session lasts one hour and occurs once a week for 12 weeks.
After these sessions, the child takes a break, and the parent or guardian receives a home program.
If the child shows improvement, they are discharged. If not, they are placed on a waitlist for another set of therapy sessions.
Tizon said each therapist can accommodate up to six patients a day, depending on availability.
The center aims to serve 120 to 150 patients a month and hopes to increase the number of therapists to meet the demand.
“Para po sa lahat ng mga magulang, families na may mga anak na may special needs dito po sa Samar, hinihikayat ko po kayo na pumunta po sa amin, bumisita po kayo sa amin, kung may mga katanungan kayo about sa mga anak niyo, i-gu-guide po namin kayo, pag-uusapan po natin kung paanu natin matutulungan yung anak po ninyo,” Tizon said.
(To all parents and families with children with special needs here in Samar, I encourage you to come and visit us. If you have any questions about your children, we will guide you and discuss how we can help your child.)
The team is reviewing PhilHealth’s coverage to ensure long-term sustainability. This includes plans to accommodate patients and possibly expand services beyond Samar Province. Currently, services are free to province residents.
Nusa’s journey underscores the challenges families face in autism care.
With support from the Samar Center for Developmental Pediatrics, there is hope for her grandson and others.
Through determination and resources, families can envision a brighter future. The community is committed to supporting each child. (AAC, PIA Samar)
